ATV Tires

We got to the cottage and pulled the ATV from storage and rather quickly watched the LF tire go flat. Aired it up and it went flat again - turns out the tire was all cracked and rotted. I guess the life of a tire at altitude is about 13 years as the ATV is a 2003 model. The other three tires were not in much better shape.

I found rather quickly that ATV tires are pretty pricey and the cost to mount them is also cause for pause. Lots of shopping found Amazon to have the best tire prices and Walmart offers the best price to mount the tires ($5 each). The wonders of Amazon Prime had four new tires on our doorstep in just a few days.

We used the tractor bucket to lift the ATV to remove tires which helped make the job go a bit easier.

The ATV now has new tires and should be ready for several seasons of riding.

Water totes for fire fighting

We live in what is called an urban/forest interface which means one needs to be very aware of the possibility of forest fires and react accordingly. One of the recommendations is to have a supply of water on hand for fire fighting. If you have a swimming pool or pond you are set, but if not another alternative is needed.

We purchased three 330 gallon IBC Totes and enclosed them with a cedar surround. These were then placed strategically on the property. They are located such that a fire truck can attach a hose and load the contents into their tank.

One tank is located nearby the house and includes a hose bib for use of a garden hose and gasoline pump to spray water.

The other tank is located near the road and has easy access to fire trucks.

To keep algae build up to a minimum the tanks are wrapped in black plastic to prevent light from hitting the tanks. Additionally they are treated with bleach at the rate of 1/8th teaspoon per gallon.

This is the kind of project that you hope never is needed, but good to have "just in case"

A Cam Lock fitting is used for quick connection

Wrapping the tanks in 6 mil black plastic is like one REALLY big Christmas present

Almost ready to go

Old Lot Mine

When you leave Powderhorn, Colorado and head North on Highway 149 you can just see the top of a mine hoist house about 3 mile outside of town. We've noticed it for several years and today had the time to drive back and explore it.

The forest service road getting to it is best attempted in dry weather. Gates are to be left as you find them.

The mine hoist house has had sheet metal panels installed over the deteriorating roof, but some have blown off. County records show the mine was active in the early 1930's and again in 1954, but it looks as if some attempts at electrification have taken place since then.

Down  the hill from the mine are the remains of a mill. Much of the equipment is still in place including the rock crusher, stamps, boiler and drive machinery. Time is catching up with this building so it will not be long before  total collapse.

It is not often I get to see milling equipment still in position.

As always, take only pictures and leave only footprints. Most important, "Stay out of old mines"! 

The records of this one show a 20 foot vertical shaft and a 154 foot inclined shaft. Best to stay a long way away from these shafts.

This and That

It seems like I have a few images of a variety of things so I've rolled them all into this post.

We've had quite a bit of rain here which has resulted in our normally low pond filling and going over the spillway. That means it is deep enough to get out the row boat. Mandy and Sean took it out for a relaxing ride.

We made it over to New Franklin Missouri for a spring time ride on the KATY bicycle trail. This is becoming a family gathering event that has more members riding each year.

This is a group image of those starting the ride. Betsy's family joined us later in the day

We had read about a restaurant located on the bluffs above the bike trail. You park your bikes at the bottom of the bluff on the trail and climb a path through the woods to get there.

It is a pretty decent climb through the woods on a winding path.

The A-Frame and decks

Once you are there you can indulge in wines and sandwiches served out of their A frame building.

Wesley enjoyed a cool drink

Grandsons having fun

The multiple decks and overlooks make this a nice place to relax

Julie getting ready to ride thru the tunnel at Rocheport, MO

Riding thru miles of "Tree Tunnels" is most relaxing

Lots of bridges along the way